The last hurrah: 5 tips for throwing a bachelorette party

Wednesday

A bachelorette party is a traditional way for the bride-to-be to celebrate her last days as an unmarried woman. Here are five tips every maid of honor should know about planning the bash:

A bachelorette party is a traditional way for the bride-to-be to celebrate her last days as an unmarried woman. Here are five tips every maid of honor should know about planning the bash:

1. Timing is everything

Don’t plan the event too close to the wedding date, said Patti Kirschner, owner of With Love Bridal, a Chicago-area wedding planning service. Hold the event several weeks before so the bride is not preoccupied with her last-minute preparation.

Also, make sure the schedule of events is appropriate to the activity. If the plan is dinner, drinks and dancing till dawn, the meal should start later so everyone isn’t ready to leave before midnight.

2. Remember whose party it is

This is the bride’s chance have fun before her big day, so the activities should first and foremost be something she’ll enjoy. Kirschner once attended a party for a sophisticated bride who expected a fancy night out, but her maid-of-honor had planned a party at a very casual venue.

“You should have seen her face when we pulled up,” she said. “If it’s not something she would normally do, don’t do it for her bachelorette party.”

3. It doesn’t have to be all about the dancing and drinks

“Don’t be afraid to stray from the norm,” Kirschner advised. Many brides would love a spa day or a night out at the theater instead of a crazy night out.

Alternative activities are also a nice way to include bridesmaids who aren’t old enough to get into a bar. If the bride asked her 17-year-old cousin to stand up in her wedding, make sure she can attend at least part of the day.

4. Consider the cost

Sure, it sounds like fun to hire a limo, have a three-course dinner and go to three bars, each with a cover charge. But not everyone can afford to spend a lot, especially bridesmaids who already are spending money on things for the wedding day.

“Do as little as you have to do with a shared bill,” Kirschner said.

5. No girl gets left behind

Bachelorette party guests come from all phases of the bride’s life, and inevitably, at least one won’t know anyone else. The hostess should make sure everyone is introduced and no one is left out of the conversation.

Also, as a matter of safety, every girl should have a buddy, Kirschner recommended. Make sure all guests are accounted for at all times and that everyone has a safe way home, especially if they’ve been drinking.

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